Is it a sin to add aftermarket upgrades to a classic gun? Are the benefits worth it?
The definition of a classic firearm doesn’t exist in stone. It could be any firearm that was once popular and loved, but is no longer made. The Model 12 Winchester shotgun is a perfect example. A classic firearm could also be a firearm that has been in production for a long period of time. An example would be the Model 12 Winchester shotgun. These are classics, and I think everyone would agree. The Winchester 1894, chambered at.30-30 Winchester, is another firearm that I consider a classic. A 160-grain.30 caliber bullet at nearly 2,000 feet per second was a big deal in 1894. The lever gun’s range of effectiveness was extended, allowing for lethal hits at 150 yards with a dead-on holdout. The 94 became a popular choice among deer hunters and was also a staple on farms, ranches, and other working ranches across the country. It was the first deer rifle and has been used by many over the past 127 years. None were made between then and 2010. This was after Winchester’s 200th anniversary of Oliver Winchester. This upgraded 1970s Winchester 94 is great to shoot. The 94s will also be well-worn, at least those with a good bore. Few 94s are fired very often.
A Winchester Model 1894 can be purchased today. They are fine rifles but not made in America. Although one could argue that the new 94s aren’t a classic, I believe it’s a well-established fact that an American-made model 94 is. I’ve owned several 94s over time but preferred the Marlin 336. The 94 is a lighter and trimmer rifle. It’s a classic that every true, red-blooded American should have. I have a huge stock of.30-30 ammo and thought that I should have a working-grade, 94 to match it. I bought a 1976,94 for $500 which is the average price for a Winchester of this age. After playing with the gun, it became clear that I could not live with it as it was. It was a great gun and I enjoyed shooting it. However, it needed some work. That opinion is valid, I suppose. I have written before about my father’s Model 12 Winchester and how Tyler Gun Works nearly restored it to its original glory. My father made the nicks, gouges, and worn bluing on the shotgun. I didn’t want to conceal that fact. Tyler Gun Works did a complete restoration of my 94. It’s a great rifle. But it has no sentimental value to us. At best, it was a $600 gun. It needed bead blasting and refinishing. Jerry Dove, Dove’s Custom Guns gunsmith, was my choice. Dove is a master at lever guns–Marlin, Winchester–and I refer him to as my “personal firearmssmith.” This is an excellent place to mention that every gunman needs a regular or personal gunsmith, just as they need a doctor. Dove is my doctor, but I see him more often than I do doctors. Dove improves my guns and keeps them in good health. You’ll also get preferential treatment if you have a gunsmith that you use regularly. Gunsmiths love good customers. Dove was finishing my 94 and I ordered a set XS Sights ($104). An aperture sight is faster than the stock, bead front, and blade rear sights that are standard on 94s. Also, my older eyes can see them better. A note about installing XS sights on a Winchester Model 94: It is a tedious job. The receiver must be drilled. If it isn’t done correctly, it can weaken or punch through your receiver. Do not attempt this at home. Get a skilled gunsmith to do it. I began to refinish it but decided to get a replacement stock from Boyds. I ordered one of their laminated stock and chose the forend stippling. The stock is the weakest link in this firearm, and that is something I want to stress. They can crack, splinter, break, or even split at the wrist. The laminated Boyds stock is more durable, especially for a gun like mine. They are a great resource for upgrading firearms. However, I was telling Melvin Forbes, New Ultra Light Arms, about my project. He offered to paint the stock to match a rifle that he had built for me. This is not a service that he offers, but I was able to get the friend favor. You can still paint a wood stock on your own. I got the friend favor. This accessory is essential for any rifle, particularly lever guns. This allows you to store your rifles unloaded in a convenient location and not have the hassle of looking for ammo when you need it. They are expensive and look great. Versacarry’s Ammo Caddy ($69.99) is the best and easiest solution. Versacarry Ammo Caddy ($69.99) is the best and easiest way to carry ammo in a rifle stock. It comes with everything you need to install it, as well as a belt pad for when you prefer to keep the ammo there.
The rifle turned out well. All metal parts now have a Cerakote finish. Cerakote is a better choice for refinishing a gun that will be used but has no collector value. I can always put the Boyd’s stock on my rifle if my mood changes. It’s possible that, despite how much I enjoyed this project I will change my mind and order the Boyd’s stock. The answer is: It depends. If this was my grandfather’s or father’s rifle, or a rare condition 94, I would have left it alone. This rifle is undeniably a great classic, both in terms of its model designation and manufacturer, but it’s just as common here in West Virginia as double-bladed or post hole diggers. This rifle is now more useful and valuable because of my upgrades. Another advantage to having a personal gunsmith available is the ability to make any necessary modifications. They will tell you how much the gun you own is worth and whether your modifications will affect its value. You can only answer the question of sentiment. What would it cost to make a Winchester 94-style lever gun similar in appearance? Dove’s charges $225 to complete a Cerakote job on the lever gun. He does an excellent job and it’s well worth the money. I have approximately a grand in my rifle, not including the purchase price. It is a unique rifle that I can proudly display. I’ve had offers to purchase it for more than what I have in it. It shoots really well too. Target grids and bullseye sizes can be downloaded in MOA. Get Free Targets
